Compared to the rest of the world, the WHO European Region has one of the highest proportions of deaths attributable to tobacco. Eurobarometer 429/2015 indicates that almost one third of European citizens currently smoke, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes. The highest rates of tobacco consumption were found in Southern countries such as Greece (38%) and in Bulgaria (35%), while Nordic states have the lowest rates, with only 11% in Sweden and 19% in Finland. The rate of tobacco use differs substantially from one country to another, not only according to people’s level of education, income and occupation but also country of residence. This means that European citizens are facing the harsh reality of health inequalities, not only at national level but also at European level. Within this intricate context, ENSP is determined in 2017 to work at local and national levels to tackle the inequalities that are linked to tobacco use, and more specifically supporting countries that are lagging behind in implementing the TPD 2014/40/EU and WHO FCTC. With activities based on three main pillars: “Research, Prevention and Treatment”, ENSP is determined to: 1. Reduce the demand for tobacco products by tackling illicit trade; 2. Prevent young people from taking up by challenging targeted marketing and encourage tax increase; 3. Contribute to tobacco-related scientific research; 4. Facilitate the provision for tobacco dependence treatment. With exhaustive communication, the 2017 activities will be instrumental to the denormalisation of tobacco in Europe. While it will continue to work at European level with the Parliament, the European Commission and other Brussels-based and international partners to advocate for tobacco control focus policies and activities (f.e. revision of Directive 2011/64/EU on excise duties), ENSP is committed to support EU Member States as well as neighboring countries at national level, providing them with specific tailored support and leadership.
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Tobacco consumption is the major single cause for premature deaths in the European Union (EU). Special Eurobarometer 458/2017 indicates that over a quarter (26%) of European citizens are currently smoking, and an increase in consumption amongst young people aged 15-24 is observed since 2014 (from 24% to 29%). Smoking within the EU is estimated to cause 700.000 deaths annually, half of which are among 35–69-year-olds. As smoking is responsible for half the difference in deaths across socio-economic groups, tobacco control has a major role to play in reducing health and social inequalities.

ENSP plays a major role in the EU to prevent the tobacco industry from biasing and slowing down the tobacco control community effort. Key objectives for 2019:

O.1 - To assist and support the European Institutions with the complete implementation of tobacco control legislation, through the effective transposition and enforcement of the TPD (2014/40/EU) and the implementation of the WHO FCTC - through the provision of solid scientific evidence and awareness raising at the EU level.

O. 2 - To strengthen advocacy capacity at EU MS National level, and more particularly to empower Civil Society organisations, policy makers, academics, experts and all other relevant stakeholders through the provision of science-based evidence, increased health literacy, promotion of healthy lifestyle decisions, disease prevention and improving access to tobacco dependence treatment, through a wide range of channels and innovative tools.

O. 3 - To reduce health inequalities due to tobacco use at the micro level, through focusing on the 3rd Health Programme thematic priority areas and tobacco use, and through the engagement of youth in tobacco control activities.

O.4 - To enhance the sustainability of the actions performed through the Operating Grant so as to ensure the strategic long-term development and return on EU investment in the post Operating Grant period.


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